How to Study for the MCAT?

[v13]

---

Members don't see this ad.

This is the first forum that I have ever been a part of, but I really need some advice when it comes to the MCAT.

I have just recently started my studying, and I'm feeling uneasy. I'm not sure how to go about studying for this test. I have Kaplan MCAT review books. I was planning on studying solely from these books, however I am fearful that this will just not be enough preparation for a good score.

I have my Bachelor's in Biology, and all the specified pre-reqs that many medical schools require, and I plan on applying to D.O. schools. I've read that some people suggest to start from scratch; to re-learn all the necessary material by using college textbooks. Is this a good idea or should I stick with the MCAT prep books? I have to admit that even though my degree is not even a year old, I do not remember many of the topics covered in my physics, chemistry, and biology undergrad courses. As an undergrad, you tend to fall into the habit of cramming for an exam, and then losing all of the information as soon as you walk out of the room.

Also, I do not know how long I should study for the MCAT or when to take the exam. I would be applying for the class entering Fall 2014.

Please help! 😕

 

[Mtrader]

This is the first forum that I have ever been a part of, but I really need some advice when it comes to the MCAT.

I have just recently started my studying, and I'm feeling uneasy. I'm not sure how to go about studying for this test. I have Kaplan MCAT review books. I was planning on studying solely from these books, however I am fearful that this will just not be enough preparation for a good score.

I have my Bachelor's in Biology, and all the specified pre-reqs that many medical schools require, and I plan on applying to D.O. schools. I've read that some people suggest to start from scratch; to re-learn all the necessary material by using college textbooks. Is this a good idea or should I stick with the MCAT prep books? I have to admit that even though my degree is not even a year old, I do not remember many of the topics covered in my physics, chemistry, and biology undergrad courses. As an undergrad, you tend to fall into the habit of cramming for an exam, and then losing all of the information as soon as you walk out of the room.

Also, I do not know how long I should study for the MCAT or when to take the exam. I would be applying for the class entering Fall 2014.

Please help! 😕

You got alot of questions here ill give some of them a shot....

Here is the short answer: no kaplan books alone are not enough. They do not provide enough passage based questions. Most people do not have to go back to college text books unless there is a specific topic they are stuck on. Most people spend 3-4months studying. Take the MCAT when you feel ready.

Here is the longer answer: there are so many ways to get passages outside of kaplan. there are alot of other threads that compare them. it just too much to go over here. the main companies are berkely review, princetion review, kapan.....also lots of suplemntal resources like khan academey and chad videos

I took kaplans online on demand course which came with books and online resources. The online material included passage based questions as well as all AAMC pratice test and alot of kaplan pratice test. By design the on demand course is supposed to be at whatever pace you choose. The problem is its tough to choose a pace.


Alot of people here follow this:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=623898

Even if you decide not to follow this its prolyl a good idea to make a scedual similar to this

Everyone has opinions on each company

sorry for the typos, im not fixing them unless im being graded for spelling.

 

[leaveit2rani]

First,

If you want to apply this upcoming cycle, you will need to register for the April or May MCAT.

Second,

You are kind of limited on time. You should check out ***********.com, there is a guy named Chad who teaches MCAT prep through his videos. That will cover you for physics, gen chem, and orgo. For Bio, you can review that information with a Princeton Review Bio book from Barnes & Noble (it is kind of late to order Berkeley review right now). Finish all that by the end February. After, start doing a bunch of passages, practice tests, etc. Those practice passages and exams are what you need to get your hands on.

I recommend you look around the internet, craigslist, etc for deals on passages.

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

Do not read textbooks. They're terrible for MCAT prep. They're fine as a reference if there's a topic you need to learn more about, but do not use them as primary study material.

As for how long you need to study, 600 hours is a number I've seen tossed around a lot, and is one I'd agree with. That comes out to about 7 hours per day, every day, for three months.